From Bombay to Paris: Chanel stages Indian-inspired fashion show as guests dine on opulent 'runway' feast fit for royalty

While the rest of the world suffers from the economic downturn, Karl Lagerfeld appeared to spare no expense for the latest Chanel extravaganza.

The Metiers d'Art show, launched in 2003 as a homage to the label's workshop, saw the Grand Palais in Paris transformed into an Indian-themed dinner party.

Guests sat at banquet tables, which doubled as a runway, compete with chandeliers, opulent candle-sticks - and a feast fit for a king.

Fashion feast: The Grand Palais in Paris was transformed into an Indian-themed dinner party for the Chanel Metiers d'Art show

Tribute: The Metiers d'Art show was launched in 2003 as a homage to the French label's workshop

They dined using gold-plated cutlery and were served by waiters throughout the show - a far cry from the champagne and canapes usually served.

While the fashion was impressive, all eyes were on the stunning details.

A metal track was positioned on the table between the runway as a silver train - sporting the Chanel logo of course - ran around the

White out: The pre-fall 2012 collection features a combination of white and gold

Extravaganza: Models are greeted with a round of applause as guests dine on the runway

But the event was tinged with a touch
of sadness as couturier Francois Lesage, head of the renowned
embroidery atelier acquired by Chanel in 2002, died last week, aged 83.

But as usual, the show must go on - and go on it did.

Accessories all areas: Head jewellery and turbans were the order of the day

Models, adorned with accessories
including head-jewellery and turbans - also for men - walked the epic
runway sporting the 2012 pre-fall collection.

Creative director Lagerfeld often looks abroad for inspiration.

Previous shows have been named Paris-Byzance, Paris-Shanghai and Paris-Moscow.

Eastern magic: Fabrics featured lace embroidery and gold motifs, inspired by Indian textiles

East meets west: The show carried all the Chanel trademarks - including tweed and pearls

This time, stunning embroidered
fabrics featured embellishments teamed with the usual Chanel trademarks
such as tweed and pearls.

Models wore ethnic-inspired sandals made of leather.

Stella
Tennant, who was voted model of the year at the British Fashion Awards
recently, was the star of the show as she accompanied the designer down
the runway

All in the details: The set was more impressive than the fashion

All aboard the Chanel train: Tracks ran along the central table

And there is no break for Karl, who is so obsessed with his work, he doesn't even plan on taking time off for Christmas.

The designer told Style.com: 'Everyone I know is leaving [Paris], but I stay home because it's the only moment I can work on the Couture quietly, sketch, and take care of my books and houses - all the things I never have time to do the rest of the year.

'For me the ultimate luxury is to be alone, to have time for myself, not look at my watch, and do whatever I want, whenever I want.'

Grand Finale: British model Stella Tennant accompanies designer Karl Lagerfeld to mark the end of the show